Perfect One Day in Redwood National Park Itinerary
Looking to plan the best Redwood National Park itinerary in a day?
As someone who has vanlifed the coast of California multiple times, Redwood National Park holds a special place in my heart. Not only was it the first national park I ever visited (if we don’t count a short detour in the Smoky Mountains), but I also dated someone from the area, so I roamed and swam in a lot of the hidden gems.
Unlike many others in the USA, this national park isn’t huge. You can get a good overview of the park in less than a day. From seeing the largest redwood trees to tide-pooling on the wild coastline, I’ll share the exact route I took on my first visit here.
So, let’s hit the road and explore a one day in Redwood National Park itinerary together!
Quick Facts to Visiting Redwoods National Park
Located along the coast of Highway 101 in Northern California, Redwoods National Park is a lush mini-rainforest spanning 983 acres. Lined with towering redwood trees, this exceptional national park stands as one of the few remaining havens for these endangered giants on our planet.
| Quick Facts | Information |
| Entrance Fee | Free of charge! Yes, you read it right! |
| Operating Hours | Open 24 hours a day, all year round. Visitor centers have varying hours. |
| Visitor Centers | Thomas H. Kuchel Visitor Center, Prairie Creek Visitor Center, Jedediah Smith Visitor Center, Hiouchi Information Center |
| Park Entrances | Multiple entrances along Highway 101, Highway 199, and the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway |
| Main Activities | Hiking, wildlife viewing, camping, scenic drives, tide pooling |
| Number of Campgrounds | 4 developed campgrounds and multiple backcountry campsites |
| Hotels | No hotels within the park, but plenty in nearby towns like Crescent City, Klamath, and Orick |
| Best Time to Visit | Year-round, but spring to fall is best |
| Nearest Cities | Crescent City, CA (7 miles), Arcata, CA (75 miles) |
| Nearest Airports | Del Norte County Airport, Crescent City (CEC, 20 miles), Arcata-Eureka Airport, McKinleyville (ACV, 81 miles) |
These details might change, so always check the official website before you set off on your adventure.
Recommended Itinerary for One Day in Redwood National Park
Redwoods National Park is relatively small, so you can leisurely get there in the morning and be ready to leave by dinner.
- Start your day with a visit to Fern Canyon, famous for its greenery and filming history (Jurassic Park).
- Walk amongst the majestic redwoods along the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail.
- Take a scenic drive along the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, stopping at Prairie Creek Visitor Center and notable viewpoints.
- End your day tide pooling at Wilson Creek Beach, where you can take a long beach walk around the rough coastlines.
Morning – Exploring Fern Canyon Loop
As the morning sun filters through the towering trees, head out on the Fern Canyon Loop, one of the highlights of Redwood National Park.
Near Gold Bluffs Beach, this picturesque loop trail is suitable for all ages. This easy loop trail takes you through a lush canyon with ferns that reach towards the sky. It was even a filming location for the original Jurassic Park.
Travel Tip! Many of the trails in the park can get muddy and soggy, while you may have to cross some mini-bridges. Bring waterproof shoewear if you don’t want to get wet.
Trail Details:
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1 mile
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Afternoon – Discovering Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail
After a morning of exploring Fern Canyon, it’s time to venture to another famous spot in Redwood National Park – the Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail. This trail lets you walk among towering redwood trees that have stood the test of time.
Fun Fact: Many of the very big Redwoods could be between 600-2,200 years old!
As you make your way along the trail, you may find some hollowed-out trees that are big enough to be a cave. You may even glimpse wildlife like deer or birds as you navigate the grove.
Lady Bird Johnson Grove Trail Information
| Trail Length | 1.4 miles |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Elevation Gain | 100 feet |
| Trail Type | Loop |
| Highlights | – Ancient redwood trees – Wildlife spotting opportunities |
Redwood Scenic Drive – Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway
After cranking your neck to see the trees all morning, take a scenic drive along the Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway. This ten-mile stretch runs parallel to Highway 101, passing hordes of the majestic redwoods that make this park so iconic.
Stops on the Scenic Drive
Stop at the Prairie Creek Visitor Center to learn more about the park’s ecology and wildlife. I also always get a stamp and a little National Park postcard souvenir to add to the collection.
As you continue your drive, watch for two unique attractions: Big Tree and Corkscrew Tree.
Big Tree, as the name suggests, is an especially massive redwood. A short walk from the road will bring you face-to-bark with this specimen. The Corkscrew Tree is a tree that has defied gravity, having grown in a spiral shape.
The Scenic Drive Experience
The road is well-maintained and has numerous pullouts and parking areas. As you drive, you may even spot wildlife such as elk, deer, or bird species that call this park home.
Travel Tip! While looking up, many people have smashed (at least) their side-view mirror driving too close to the trees. Don’t let that be you.
Final Stop – Wilson Creek Beach
As the sun sets on your day in Redwood National Park, go to Wilson Creek Beach, located just south of Crescent City. Surrounded by coastal vegetation, the beach is framed by towering cliffs and the sounds of the rough waves crashing against the shore.
Here, the changing tides greatly influence the accessibility and conditions at the beach. If you come during low tide, this area is a popular tide-tooling place where you can dig through the sand and find crab-eating anemones and sand dollars. You can check the daily tide schedule here.
During spring, the beach comes alive with vibrant wildflowers, adding a splash of color to the landscape. Native wildflowers like California poppies and lupines bloom in abundance along the sandy dunes.
Is One Day Enough in Redwood National Park?
The short answer is yes – one day is definitely enough to experience the best of Redwood National Park. But, you may want to spend more time if you are interested in the longer backcountry trails, camping, or activities like river floating in Smith River or visiting the Avenue of the Giants.
Where to Stay near Redwood National Park
Once you arrive at the park, there are no lodging options within the park itself. However, there are plenty of nearby campgrounds and accommodations to choose from.
Camping in the Park
If you prefer camping, there are campgrounds within the National and State parks, but many others nearby. If you want to make sure you get a spot, reserve a spot early, especially in the summer.
- Jedediah Smith Campground: Situated in an old-growth redwood forest along the banks of the Smith River. It offers picnic tables, fire pits, food lockers, and restroom facilities.
- Mill Creek Campground: Found within Del Norte Coast Redwoods State Park, Mill Creek Campground is set amid second-growth redwood trees. The campground provides access to several hiking trails and has a creek for fishing.
- Elk Prairie Campground: Near a lush meadow frequently visited by Roosevelt elk and conveniently located near several trailheads leading into the heart of the redwood forests.
- Gold Bluffs Beach Campground: This campground is behind the dunes of Gold Bluffs Beach, providing easy access to the beach and the nearby Fern Canyon.
Hotels Near the Park
If camping isn’t your style, hotels are available in nearby towns such as Crescent City and Klamath. Both places have very affordable hotels, but Crescent City will give you more options (although still not many.)
- Oceanview Inn and Suites – Best Rated Hotel in Crescent City
- Holiday Inn Express Redwood National Park – Best Rated Hotel in Klamath
Best Time to Visit
Redwood National Park is at its greenest during springtime. Witness the trees in full bloom, accompanied by wildflowers like the iconic rhododendrons, accentuating the landscape with bursts of color. Enjoy the pleasant temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities and hiking.
Summer is generally drier, allowing for clear views and a better hiking and camping experience. Still, bring layers since temperatures can be cooler among the trees.
Travel Tip! California experiences pretty severe fires in the summer months, so make sure you check out if it’s safe before you go.
Although fall and winter bring lots of rainfall to the region, the mist and fog that often envelop the park during these seasons are pretty magical. Fall brings the chance to witness the changing colors of the foliage, while winter is much quieter, with fewer crowds.
How to Get to There
Getting to Redwood National Park is relatively easy, whether you are driving or flying. The park is conveniently located along Highway 101. If you prefer to fly, you can fly into the Eureka/Arcata Regional Airport and rent a car to reach the park.
If you are coming from San Francisco, the drive to Redwood National Park takes about 5 hours. From Portland, the drive is also approximately 5 hours, taking either I-5 South or a scenic route along the Oregon Coast. Both routes can be incorporated into a longer road trip.
| City | Route | Distance | Approximate Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | Highway 101 North | 330 miles | 5.5 hours |
| Portland | I-5 South or Coastal Route | 325 miles | 5 hours |
Additional Tips for Visiting
Here are some travel tips to enhance your experience:
- Pack waterproof gear: The park is known for its wet weather, so be sure to bring waterproof clothing and footwear to stay dry during your adventures.
- Dress in layers: Temperatures can vary among the towering trees, so layering your clothing will allow you to adjust throughout the day.
- Choose sturdy footwear: The park’s trails can be uneven, muddy, and covered in vegetation.
- Download an offline map: There may be limited cell service in some areas of the park, so download an offline map to help navigate the park’s trails and attractions.
Final Thoughts: Redwood National Park in a Day
With this itinerary, you can experience the highlights and get a taste of Redwood Park’s beauty. From hiking through fern-filled canyons to gazing up at ancient redwoods, it is pretty amazing to see such huge trees can exist in this world.
And although it used to be all along the west coast, unfortunately, this is one of the final places you can now see these giant beauties. If you would like to see some other amazing destinations, check out these other posts below.
Before you Close That Tab…Where to Next in California?
I’ve lived and vanlifed around, about, and through all of California for 3 years. If you’re looking for more information on California, check out these other destination itineraries.
- Perfect One Day In Lassen Volcanic National Park Itinerary
- Perfect One Day In Redwood National Park Itinerary
- Perfect One Day In Joshua Tree Itinerary For First-Timers
- One Day In Death Valley Itinerary For Adventurers
- Perfect One Day in San Diego Itinerary: What Not to Miss
- Perfect One Day in San Francisco Itinerary for First Timers
- Day Trip to Lake Tahoe: One Day Itinerary for All Seasons
- Perfect Day Trip to Sonoma Itinerary for Wine Lovers
- Perfect Day Trip to Napa Valley Itinerary for Wine Lovers
- Perfect One Day in Los Angeles Itinerary from a Local
| MY FAVORITE TRAVEL RESOURCES |
✈️ Find amazing guided tours and experiences with Viator to maximize your time! 🏘️ Plan ahead and secure your accommodation with Booking.com in advance. 🧾 Rent a car with Discovercars in advance and get the best prices for your day trip adventures. |
